Saints Stampede 5K Walk/Run, Pancake Breakfast and Celebrating 25 Years

Table of Contents Community Calendar August Alumni in Religious Vocation...... 3 1 ��Class of 2013 Yearbook Signing & Ice Cream Social Hall of Fame...... 4 9 ��Class of 2008 5-year reunion A Brief History of STA...... 7 10 ��Saints Stampede 5K Walk/Run, Pancake Breakfast and Celebrating 25 Years...... 8 Family Fun Day Art Student Honored...... 10 13 ��Freshman-Parent Gift Gathering for Extravaganza Class of 2013...... 11 14 ��First Day of School Alum Joins Dominican Order...... 12 15 ��Feast of the Assumption All-School Mass* Saint Thomas Aquinas Then and Now...... 14 16 ��Sophomore-Parent Gift Gathering for Extravaganza 25 Year Book Order...... 16 17 ��Junior-Parent Gift Gathering for Extravaganza Alumni Story...... 17 24 ��Senior-Parent Gift Gathering for Extravaganza 25 ��Class of 2017 Freshman Family Picnic Retirements...... 18 28 ��Parent Back-to-School Night Mission Trips...... 20 29 ��Mass of the Holy Spirit All-School Mass* Saints Marrying Saints...... 21 Where are you Reading the Saints Spirit...... 21 September All American...... 22 13 ��Blue & Gold Tailgate Kickoff Sister Schools...... 23 19 ��Homecoming All-School Mass* Alumni Pop Quiz...... 23 20 ��Homecoming Tailgate and Football Game vs. Salina Sports Review...... 24 Central Class Notes...... 26 20-21 ��Class of 2003 10-year reunion Rosemary Maher Saints Walk for Life...... 29 21 ��Class of 1963 50-year reunion In Memoriam...... 30 October Class Reunions...... 31 6 ��Open House 10 ��Grandparents Day Mass* November The Saints Spirit magazine is a publication of the Saint 1 ��All Saints All-School Mass* Thomas Aquinas Advancement Office. We welcome your comments or questions. Call or write: 1 ��President’s Tailgate before STA vs. Miege football game 7-9 ��Fall Musical All Shook Up Bryan Thrasher 16 ��Extravaganza Director of Communications 26 ��Thanksgiving All-School Mass* [email protected] Saint Thomas Aquinas High School 11411 Pflumm Road December Overland Park, Kansas 66215-4816 11 ��Performing Arts Department Christmas Concert 913.319.2425 12 ��Our Lady of Guadalupe All-School Mass*

William Ford, Ed.D. 20 ��First Day of Christmas Break President January 2014 Teresa Ahrens 6 ��Second Semester Begins Director of Special Events 11 ��Placement Test, Class of 2018 Mary Bridget Kratofil 28 ��Feast of St. Thomas Aquinas Mass* Director of Media Relations February 2014 Michon Quick 5 ��Mass of Remembrance in the Chapel Director of Alumni & Constituent Relations 8 ��Saints Trivia Challenge in the Gym Cindy Winkler *All are welcome to attend All-School Masses at Saint Thomas Advancement Office Manager Aquinas! Please check the school website to confirm the date and Special thanks to Michelle Gress, photographer time. Most liturgies begin at 10:00 a.m. in the Gym.

2 Alumni in Religious Life Alumni in Religious Vocation On January 28, our school community celebrated the feast day of our patron, St. Thomas Aquinas, at an all-school Mass concelebrated by Archbishop Joseph Naumann and our chaplain Father Andrew Strobl. In conjunction with our 25th year-long celebration, it seemed an appropriate occasion to honor in a special way our alumni who are discerning God’s call to the religious life. May God bless each one in his and her sacred ministry to His people! Fr. Vince Huber, ‘00 Holy Order of Priests, Apostles of the Interior Life - Ordination: June 18, 2011 Pamela McGown, ‘08 Servants of the Lord and Virgin Matara, Washington D.C. The feast day Mass poster honoring Saint Thomas Aquinas alumni was Walt Nelson, ‘97 later placed in the chapel as a reminder to students to open their hearts 3rd-year College at Conception Seminary College, to God’s call for them to consider the religious life. Conception, Missouri Sr. Mary Magdalene of Immaculate Conception, OP (Carri Prewitt, ‘05) Jaime Zarse Dominican Nuns Monastery of Summit, New Jersey (see On May 18, 2013, article, page 10-11) alumnus Jaime Zarse, Evan Tinker, ‘03 ‘05, and three other 2nd-year Theology at Kenrick School of Theology, seminarians from St. Louis, Missouri the Archdiocese of Max Wilber, ‘12 Kansas City in Kansas were ordained to the 2nd-year College at Cardinal Glennon College, St. Louis, Missouri diaconate at Most Pure Heart of Mary parish in Jaime Zarse, ‘05 Topeka, Kansas. Diaconate Ordination: May 18, 2013, Theology at Kenrick School of Theology, St. Louis, Missouri The duties of a deacon can include Deacon Jaime Zarse, ‘05, (see Alumni News at right) was vested by Fr. Mitchel proclaiming the Gospel Zimmerman, archdiocesan Carter Zielinski, ‘09 and preaching at Mass, 3rd-year College at Conception Seminary College, vocations director and STA baptizing, witnessing chaplain 2004- 2007. Conception, Missouri marriages, and presiding at funerals, liturgies On the Cover, clockwise from top-right: and graveside services. Deacon Zarse will return to his 1) The 25th-Year celebration began in August 2012 with a prayer studies with plans to be ordained to the Holy Order of and blessing before the inaugural Saints Stampede 5K Cross- Country Run/Walk. 2) Sporting KC professional soccer players and Priests on May 24, 2014. STA alumni Michael Thomas, ‘06, and Kyle Miller, ‘07, kick off the Son of Alicia & Bob Zarse and brother of Josh Zarse, fall semester with a ribbon-cutting at the Saints Athletic Stadium’s ‘08, Jordan Zarse, ‘10, Tessie Zarse, ‘12, and Tommy newly renovated field and facilities. 3) Dr. Bill Ford presents the Zarse - class of 2018, Jaime attended and played soccer Legacy Award to Ben & Betty Zarda / MRZ Corporation at the 25th Year Gala & Inaugural Hall of Fame Induction, March 2013. 4) at Marquette University and University of Missouri Alumni Cameron Russell, ‘97, and Shane Borth, ‘97, perform for Kansas City before entering Kenrick-Glennon Seminary students during Saints Arts Week in May. in St. Louis, Missouri, in 2010. The Zarse family Look for more on the Saints 25th-Year celebration, pages 3-11. belongs to Prince of Peace parish in Olathe, Kansas.

www.stasaints.net 3 Hall of Fame Saints Inaugural Hall of Fame Event honors new inductees Over 250 guests attended the Also grandfathered Saint Thomas Aquinas High School into the Hall of Fame 25th-year Gala & Inaugural Hall of were those faculty Fame held on Saturday, March 2, 2013, and staff who upon at the Regnier Center of Johnson retirement were County Community College. recipients of the Marian Award for The event was in conjunction with long-time, faithful the high school’s year-long celebration service to Saint Alumni children of Distinguished Service Award recipient Bob that began last August and culminated Thomas Aquinas Frankovic and his wife Judy traveled from Texas, California and with the graduation of the class of Colorado to participate in the celebration. (Pictured left-to-right: High School. They 2013, the 25th since the school opened Nathan and Lia Frankovic Cless, ‘04; Josh and Chris Frankovic include: Gennaro in fall 1988. Zaroor, ‘93; Judy and Bob Frankovic; and Michael Frankovic, ‘96.) Mirocke (dec), According to current president Richard Scott (dec), Blake Mulvany, ‘98, school chaplain Fr. Andrew Dr. Bill Ford, “This year was an Janiece Dye (dec), Sister Kathleen Strobl, and alumni-parent and faculty appropriate time to recognize patrons Condry, OSU, Evelyn Boutte, Gail member Sue Waters. who have been faithful friends of the Prieb, Archbishop James P. Keleher, The Saint Thomas Aquinas school as well as a few of its many Dennis and Geri Hord, James chamber choir, under the direction outstanding alumni.” Enneking, Bonnie Patrick and Bob of music teacher Joe Heidesch and It was an evening of fond memories Aley. accompanied by senior John Bellau, that featured a crowd of the school’s Members of the Inaugural Hall ‘13, sang several songs including the past presidents, retired teachers, of Fame Selection Committee were school’s Alma Mater written by retired alumni, parents and friends of Saint also recognized at the event. They are music teacher Dennis Hord. A jazz Thomas Aquinas High School. alumni-parent and board member combo comprised of Saints alumni Members of the 2013 Inaugural Class Bill Blaise, retired faculty member Evan Maslak, ‘09, Austin Quick, of the Saints Hall of Fame are: and alumni-parent Jim Enneking, ‘07, and Paul Shinn, ‘06, performed Distinguished Service Award -- Mac faculty member and alumni-parent during the reception. Alumni-parent Ayer, Robert Frankovic, Dave Goebel, Phil Farnan, school president Dr. Bill Mark Oppold served as Master of Gail and Bob Foote, and Barb and Ford, faculty member Kim Harrison, Ceremonies. The event was organized John O’Donnell. alumnus Tim Herre, ‘00, alumni- by the Saint Thomas Aquinas High parent Cynthia Sabatini, alumna School Advancement Office with the Alumni Award -- Father Vince Elizabeth Kisthardt Samples, ‘00, help of Gala committee members, Huber, class of 2000, Erica Thesing alumna Amber Krumbholz Schrieber, past parents Jeanine (Mike) Cindrich, Kratofil, class of 1996, Mikey Bit (Keith) Clark, Jean Needleman, class of 2002, Benjamin (Burry) Hinman, Anita Schloegel, class of 1996, and Dr. Brigid (Tim) Link, Nancy Molen Sullivan, class of 1995. (Troy) Reazin, and Mary Legacy Award -- The MRZ (Jim) Zeller. Corporation, comprised of members Nominations for of the McAnany, Rieke and Zarda the Saints Hall of families of Shawnee, Kansas: Richard Fame are accepted (dec) and Betty McAnany, Leo and on an ongoing basis. Helen Rieke, Max, ‘39 (dec), and Go to www.stasaints. Frances (dec) Rieke, Tom, ‘52, and net/HallofFame for Mickey Nachbar Zarda, ‘53, and Ben, MRZ Corporation, presented with the school’s first Legacy program guidelines ‘45, and Betty Zarda. Award, was represented by Tim McAnany, Leo Rieke, ‘76, and forms. Leon Rieke, Ben Zarda, ‘45, and Tom Zarda, ‘52.

4 Hall of Fame

The Hall of Fame Award features a print of the original acrylic painting by Kansas City artist Mike Savage of Saint Thomas Alumni inducted into the Hall of Fame at the Gala were Benjamin Aquinas High School. Schloegel, class of 1996, Dr. Brigid Molen Sullivan, class of 1995, Erica Thesing Kratofil, class of 1997, and Mikey Needleman, class of 2012. Not pictured: Father Vince Huber, class of 2000.

Retired counselor Bob Aley - pictured here with his wife Teresa and STA chaplain Father Andrew Strobl - was one of ten Marian Award recipients grandfathered into the Saints Hall of Fame.

Each Hall of Fame recipient, including Distinguished Service honorees Gail and Bob Foote, was honored with a short description of their service and a video montage, followed by an award-presentation by Saint Thomas Aquinas president Dr. Bill Ford.

Mac Ayer represented the John and Barb O’Donnell, Dave Goebel, Distinguished spirit of volunteerism as Distinguished Service honorees, Service Award recipient and STA a Distinguished Service celebrated with family members Board chair for 13 years, and his Award recipient at the and friends at Johnson County wife Jan have six children who inaugural Saints Hall of Community College and all graduated from Saint Thomas Fame. afterwards at Tequila Harry’s Aquinas High School. across the street.

Debbie and Randy Huber accepted the Alumni Award from Dr. Ford on behalf of their son Father Vince Huber, ‘00, who is ministering in Rome with his Order, the Apostles of the The school’s chamber choir under the direction of music director Joe Heidesch provided fitting Interior Life. entertainment for guests at the Saints 25th Year Gala & Inaugural Hall of Fame.

www.stasaints.net 5 Hall of Fame GALA: Celebrating 25 Years of Saints - March 2, 2013

6 Brief History of Saint Thomas Aquinas Brief History of Saint Thomas Aquinas High School 21st-Century Prepared of the National Catholic Education Association - Secondary Schools, a Saint Thomas Aquinas remains membership organization that “provides steadfast in serving all families leadership, direction and service to fulfill regardless of socio-economic or the evangelizing, catechizing and teaching academic capability. Parental mission of the Church.” involvement has always been high and is considered a component of Fiscal Prudence the school’s success. Another key factor is the dedicated, supportive Over the years, numerous facility faculty that encourages students enhancements include the addition of to live their faith in all things and lower-level classrooms, 500-seat theater, attain their God-given potential. The auxiliary gym, state-of-the-art science school provides a demanding and classrooms, Chapel renovation, adjacent At the 25th Year Gala, Tom Zarda welcomed rigorous curriculum to ensure that building with additional classrooms, esteemed guests from the “early years” in its 99-100% college-bound students are athletic stadium and practice facilities. Shawnee as well as many young alumni, well prepared to enter a highly competitive Astute planning has also allowed parents and friends who have collectively post-secondary arena. Each year, over 50% Saint Thomas Aquinas to keep stride in worked to build the Communion of Saints and of graduating seniors receive academic the digital age. All building additions, position the school for the next 25 years and scholarships to at least 100 different technology upgrades and classroom beyond. colleges and universities. renovations -- including wireless The school has been the recipient of the connectivity, web-based applications, A School Ignites state-wide academic recognition program, laptops and classroom projection devices the Governor’s Achievement Award, -- incorporate cutting edge, progressive In the mid-1980’s, a soaring Catholic five times since the award’s inception educational innovations. population in southern Johnson County in 2006. Saint Thomas Aquinas was prompted then-Archbishop The Most Through the generosity of many selected as a 2012 U.S. Department of Reverend Ignatius J. Strecker, D.D., to donors as well as sound fiscal planning by Education National Blue Ribbon School build a new coeducational Archdiocesan administration, Saint Thomas Aquinas of Excellence. Catholic high school that would integrate High School has been able to maintain Aquinas High School located in Shawnee, and enhance our quality facilities and Kansas (1980-1988, and previously St. Strong Leadership programs without the burden of incurring Joseph, 1934-1980). While Saint Thomas From the start, Saint Thomas or holding over long-term debt. Aquinas High School adopted its own Aquinas has benefitted from exceptional identity, it also inherited a rich tradition leadership. The school’s first president, A Culture of Faith of dedicated Catholic families affiliated Blake Mulvany, was charged with opening Saint Thomas Aquinas has an with St. Joseph dating back to the 1930’s. the new high school, and his competent excellent reputation for its award-winning Since opening with an initial leadership grounded the school during programs in the areas of athletics, writing, enrollment of 447 students, Saint Thomas its first arduous days of policy forming. debate, forensics, performing arts, and Aquinas High School has maintained a He was succeeded in 1996 when Sister competitive scholastics. Over 65 clubs, focus on four core values in all endeavors: Kathleen Condry, OSU, advanced her activities and athletic programs enable FAITH, EXCELLENCE (emphasizing position from principal at Saint Thomas a young person to explore interests and lifelong learning), SERVICE and Aquinas to assume the role of president, experience growth and fulfillment in COMMUNITY. In its third decade, the a position she held for two years and a faith-based environment. Always at school currently enrolls 937 students with capably steered the school for two years the core of a Saint Thomas Aquinas 5,638 alumni since 1989. Fulfilling the until she left to assume a leadership education is the challenge to make one’s mission of the school, Saints alumni and position with the Ursuline Sisters of faith living, conscious and active. This students positively impact their parishes, Paola. can be witnessed through the outstanding communities and the world through these Since 1998, William P. Ford, Ed.D., has community and nationally recognized four core values. served as president. Dr. Ford is a skilled student outreach program that benefits administrator noted for his integrity and over 800 agencies in the Kansas City area ability to continually raise the bar in order in any given, single year. to achieve excellence. He is past president

www.stasaints.net 7 25 Years in Review Celebrating 25 Years IN-REVIEW

August 24 All-Years Soccer Alumni Event highlights included recognition of two national championship teams (1994 and 2009), two professional Saints on the MLS Sporting KC roster, and the amazingly successful boys soccer program for the past 25 years. 41 Action News and Sports Radio 810 WHB contributor Frank Boal, during a special halftime presentation, outlined the unprecedented influence of the Saints Soccer program led by coaches Craig Ewing and Chuck August 11, 2012 Hammons in Kansas City, the Midwest and on the national scene. The 25th-Year Celebration officially (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fARRoCF3iDY&feature=youtu.be) began at the inaugural Saints Stampede with a student-led Opening Prayer and exciting Balloon Rosary launch by the Teens for Life. The 5K Run/Walk, Pancake Breakfast and Family Fun Day was so popular with young alumni, students, and present/ past families that the event will now be held annually.

August 30 Twenty-four alumni and one member of the Class of 2014, each representing the first 25 Years of Saints, joined students, faculty/staff and parents for the year’s first all-school Mass of the Holy Spirit.

November 10 Saints Silverbration and “all things silver” created the perfect setting for Extravaganza 2012, a reminder of the hard work and sacrifice our parents make to provide their children with the best, most well-rounded and good- valued high school education around. A special 25th-Year visit by August 31 Archbishop Joseph Naumann The Field Blessing & Dedication highlighted the evening’s celebration of the new synthetic turf field as he recognized Dr. Bill Ford and the September 28 coincided with the Blue & Gold STA faculty and staff for the timely Crowned during halftime were the Kickoff and a very-soggy-yet-victorious 25th-Year designation by the U.S. 25th Saints Homecoming King & first varsity football game of the Department of Education as a Blue Queen, Michael Peck and season. Ribbon School of Excellence. Hannah Pyle.

8 25 Years in review

February 2 A sell-out with over 500 in attendance, the 4th annual Saints Trivia Challenge attracted several January 28, 2013 tables of Saints alumni, who were asked to stand Parents and family members of our alumni in religious life were and be recognized, as well as current and alumni- honored at the all-school Feast Day Mass celebrated by Archbishop parents and friends -- all vying for the prestigious Naumann, who asked all students and parents to pray for religious winner’s trophy. vocations.

February 6 The annual Mass of Remembrance, is a special way for members of the community to remember loved ones, especially those who have died in the last year, at beautiful and intimate Mass in the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception at Saint Thomas Aquinas High School. Guests are invited to enter their loved ones’ names in the Saints March 2 Book of Remembrance, which remains in the Chapel throughout the year. At the 25th Year Gala & Inaugural Hall of Fame Induction, five alumni who embody the mission of Saint Thomas Aquinas and five individuals/couples who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to our community were recognized, as well as past recipients of the Marian Award. A special Hall of Fame award was presented this year to honor the MRZ Corporation for its impact on the Catholic community in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas and specifically Saint Thomas Aquinas High School. April 27 April 27-28 The Saints Walk for Life The 2013 Dinner Theater was renamed for STA past- paid tribute to the musicals of parent and retired teacher the past 25 years, reflected in the Rosemary Maher who decorations, costumes and songs has devoted many years performed since 1988 by the STA to saving lives and pro-life Performing Arts department. activities.

www.stasaints.net 9 25 Years in Review SAINTS ANNUAL FUND Enjoy This Magazine? Your tax-deductible gift to the Saints Annual Fund helps strengthen our Communion of Saints through alumni programs such as this publication. Look for information in your mail, or go to www.stasaints.net/SaintsAnnualFund. All donors will be recognized in the 2013-14 Annual Report. April 29 - May 3 The 25th-Year Arts Week provided opportunity Senior Erica Gammill honored for for students to learn about alumni Saints who are successful in the Arts as well as the tradition of outstanding digital art drawing patron Saints of the Arts. The week culminated with the “Art of a Saint” Student Showcase featuring student work in performing, visual, practical and computer Arts, and a special lunchtime performance by alumni Cameron Russell, ‘97, and Shane Borth, ‘97, of the locally popular Irish Rock band, ‘Flannigan’s Right Hook.’ Several alumni also helped organize “Alumni Open- Mic & Karaoke Night” in the Commons as part of the 25th-Year Arts Week.

Award winning digital art photo* by Erica Gammill, ‘13, that received national recognition from the Scholastic Art and Writing Award.

Erica Gammill, as a senior at Saint Thomas Aquinas High School, received two Honorable Mentions, one Silver Key and June 10 two Gold Key Awards from a regional, five-state competition. She Many “regulars” and several new participants was awarded the Silver Medal Award for Digital Art in the 2013 including 30 alumni helped make the 25th-Year Scholastic Art and Writing Award sponsored by the Scholastic Finale, the annual Mirocke Golf Classic, a day to Corporation and accepted the award at Carnegie Hall on May 31 remember. Since 2008, 108 families have received in New York City. over $200,000 in assistance to be able to continue The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards are the longest running, Catholic secondary education at Saint Thomas most prestigious competition and largest source of scholarships for Aquinas. creative teenagers in the United States. It has an impressive legacy Representing the family of Gennaro Mirocke, and a noteworthy roster of past winners including Andy Warhol, faculty member and football coach at St. Joseph, Sylvia Plath, Truman Capote, Richard Avedon, Joyce Carol Oates Aquinas and Saint Thomas Aquinas High Schools and many others. for 43 years, Coach Mirocke’s oldest son Tony *Note: digital art does not translate to print with the same depth Mirocke thanked guests for carrying on the legacy and quality - this award-winning picture appears three-dimensional on a of helping others in need in our community. computer screen.

10 School News Class of 2013 11 Final Stats Design College Phoebe Beachner Military Jacob Stukel Savannah Georgia of Art and Arkansas Clara Higgins Daniel Schieszer • 94% will attend a 4 yr college Maggie Mackey Kelsey Cundith Jonathan Holland Xavier

University of Nicholas Slovikoski

arkansas Daniel Killilea University ohio • 10% (25) will attend a Catholic university Mel Clark Jordan Barr • 30% will attend out of state colleges arizona of Arizona University Arizona State The University Cornell

Daniel Morin • 19% will attend private institutions University Taylor Ruisch Lauren Holley of Technology Kyle Mueller Carolina of South Fashion Institute Patrick Martinsen

University • $12,120,471 awarded in Scholarship

New York University opportunities to 155 students Molly Carroll

Drew Friedman south Madison Petracek carolina The UniversityMary Grace Duethman of Tampa University of Tulsa • 18 students were awarded athletic

YORK

University of Oklahoma scholarships

NEW • 3 students were recognized as

oklahoma Abby Kern Governor’s Scholars Tyler Clement Stephany Sehon Noelle McDonald Murphy Marx

Taylor Holmes • 83 graduates scored a 28 or higher Decisions

florida

Texas Christian University on the ACT texas Creighton University Jordan Chael Jewell College William The University of Texas, Austin Madelaine Weissend • 2 National Merit Finalists Natalie Owens nebraska Lauren Huddlestun

State • 8 National Merit Commended Truman Daniel Aiken University Daniel Robison Kyle Gress wisconsin University of Nebraska at Lincoln

University Scholars Marquette

MISSOURI • Seniors were accepted at 131 Alexis Zuniga Rockhurst University Haleigh Cindrich Julia Brown Christopher Shinn University of different colleges Michael Estes Piper Williams Caroline Baker Kelsey Boschert Hunter Swanson Sabrina Soenksen Elisabeth Bregant University of Gavin Manley Missouri, Kansas City Unviersity Dame Missouri Columbia Missouri State of Notre indiana Emily Klimt University Claire Carley Tulane University

louisiana Sarah Gabriel in St. Louis

Julie Bride 2013 End-of-Year Adrienne Lister Eric Carter Sarah Slaven John Bellau Hannah Pyle Kaley Dahlin Michael Peck University Saint Louis University of Nicholas Williams Washington University Central Missouri Christopher Galbreath University Mathias Meade Faculty/Staff Missouri University of Lindenwood Science and Technology College

Farewells

at Boulder COLORADO

Colorado On May 21, Saint Thomas Baile Winslow Conor Logan Rebekah Tyler Knoxville Jay Wichlinski Ryan Weese Daniel Henderson Aquinas High Hutchinson College Nicholas Baker Grace Gooch Paul McCord Lauren Miller Ryan Shortell Ashley Elliott Jordan Halsey and Design Mary Piatchek Mary O’Connell Kevin McCarthy Anthony Alvano Community University of Denver Andrew Dare

Jordan Buscher School bid Community College Johnson County University of Tennessee, Baker University

University of Northern Colorado farewell to University of Colorado Rocky Mountain College of Art five members Tennessee Laura Roth Erin Teahan Luke Weller Leah Siebert Moira Reilly Kelsey Ryan Nick Rysavy Joshua Stukel Nicholas Stec Sydney Sneed Taylor Tyrrell Kathryn Ryan Michael Stukel Brittany Werth Samantha Vogt Beth Stephan Ashton Wherry Patrick Spafford Kevin Whiteside Andrew Walberg Kansas Eleanor Selanders of the Colten Staudenmyer Kristine Whitehead 2013

community at the year-end faculty/ staff Mass held in the Chapel. These Eric Nagle Joseph Pyle John Prince Maggie Hill Emily Lucas Rachel Hare Ellese Miller Kyle Ragusin Kyle Lickteig Chase Koster Alexis Leikam Melanie Keffer Joseph Radetic Natalie Kutney Melissa Maggio Cameron Jones Tyler Cordry Matthew Martin Kelsey Schmidt Samantha Huber Connor Shapiro Savannah Hlavacek Christina Metzger Madison Hopfinger Champaign

Camille Brewer include French teacher Rebecca University of Illinois Benjamin Gartland Lindsey Whigham Illinois at Urbana- DePaul University Loyola University John Perz

Kansas State University Bock, social studies teacher Craig of Derek Rodgers Pittsburgh State University Catherine Kluempers Drummond, academic principal Dr. Will Clark Logan Cox Bryan Foltz Joseph Crane Jessica Heinz Austin Gilroy Virginia Bono Jessica Halsey Maggie Bourk Katie Bartolac Abbey Davied Madelin Greer Brian Everhart Grace Koehler Amanda Grant Shannon Foley Regan Bellerive Nicholas Greco Morgan Britton Samantha Greig Jessica Boedeker Nicholas Hammer Melissa Feuerborn Rebecca Heidlage, principal’s assistant Stephanie Koch and German teacher Jack Herbic Mary Hernandez Anna Hagenkord Judy Nickum. They were presented Benedictine College Evan Walsh Mary Rogler Rachel Riggs Casey Pigott Robert Smith Megan Pruett Amy Peacock Devin Vickers Evan Sherlock Maggie Prange Margaret Orth Owen Sherlock Theresa Wynne Jarred Stangohr Katelyn Stewart Austin Scherzer Michael Swett Andrew Speckin with parting gifts and expressions of University Taylor Patterson Elizabeth Reazin Andrew Whealon Elizabeth Romme Anastasia Quigley John Ryan Wilson Robert Skevington Sara Lopez Matthew Rheinberger Academy John Hopkins gratitude from Dr. Bill Ford. Recently

Undecided

Timothy Schaefer Emily Curran United States Naval Hannah Burkhart Madeline Cullings ordained priest Father Daniel Schmitz John Hunt Jack Luther David Korte Camille Nuti Morgan Matt Sean McCabe Andrew Klein Paul Hoffman Cooper Miller Rachel Mahon Robert Morrie Lucas Johnson Sydney Klimas Katie Johnston Regan McNary Regan Nachbar Sara Kuckelman Joseph Kennedy Thomas Lawson Kayla Hutchings Andrew Johnson has been assigned to parochial vicar Margaret Kovarik Caitlin Hedstrom William McDonald Hannah McDonald Hannah Kwapiszeski

University of Kansas of Prince of Peace Parish, Olathe, and Class co-Chaplain of Thomas Aquinas High

University Brian Gier Iowa State Callie Henning Alec Frook Alec Desch Jayme Bartz Nick Boyles Ellen Bertels Austin Davis Gage Crooks Erin Gartland Megan Farrell Thomas Drew Erica Gammill Kelley Ebeling Jessica Satterfield Caroline Davis Logan Delaney Gina Carabetta Paige Adamany Jennifer Angles Daniel Cirotski Ashlen Hanson Nathan Colling T.J. Duffendack Robby Cowdrey School. Father Andrew Strobl will Dylan Michaels Jacob Dotterweich Nicholas Grosdidier

Drake University Maryland IOWA Kansas City Community College remain as co-Chaplain for the 2013-14 Design by Annie Schugart, Centerspread Editor Centerspread school year. May 2, 2013

10 www.stasaints.net 11 Feature Saint 2005 Saint Thomas Aquinas graduate Carri Prewitt joins Dominican Order Saint Thomas Aquinas High School and she continued to play softball alumna Carri Prewitt, ‘05, entered in high school. She made a Kairos the Dominican Nuns of Our Lady retreat during her senior year, and also Carri Prewitt’s senior year photo of the Rosary Monastery in Summit, traveled on mission trips and joined New Jersey on March 18, 2009. The the Saint Thomas Aquinas group who witnessed her faith grow and saw the former Saint received the habit and participated in the March for Life rally impact she had on others.” She always the name “Sister Mary Magdalene in Washington, D.C. called Carri her “miracle baby.” of Immaculate Conception” on After graduating from STA, Carri December 8, 2009 - the feast of the “She had emergency surgery when attended Pittsburg State University she was 4 days old,” she explained. Immaculate Conception. Two years where she studied Computer later on December 8, 2011, she made “There were so many prayers. I Information Systems and Graphic always felt and often told her that her first profession of vows as a Nun Design. During college she became of the Order of Preachers (OP). she was destined for something very involved with the campus great -- she embodied so many good Sister Mary Magdalene of Newman Center and in her junior characteristics. Also, Carri was such Immaculate Conception is the year was elected President of the a person of her word. When she was daughter of Tom and Kathleen Catholic ministry organization. quite young, maybe kindergarten, she Prewitt, members of Holy Spirit Something was tugging at her heart gave up ice cream for Lent and did not Parish in Overland Park. She and to do more so she became involved even have a taste. her three siblings, Chris, ‘99, Kelly, with outreach programs such as ‘02, and Matthew attended Holy teaching Totus Tuus, a summer “She was always very compassionate Spirit Catholic School and Saint catechetical program for grades K-12 and thoughtful. She loved to read and Thomas Aquinas High School. As a in the Diocese of Wichita during the had a heart for understanding. When young girl, Sister Mary Magdalene summer of 2008. she was young, she could tell you participated in an assortment of everything about marine life as it was sports including softball and volleyball A miracle baby whose faith a passionate interest -- that intensity has turned to Catholicism! I see her kept growing focusing that same passion on her Kathleen Prewitt said her daughter vocation.” always seemed to be involved with Fellow classmate and friend serving others and going on mission from Pittsburg State, Jayme King trips. She recalls the stories of her said, “Carri and I were in charge of helping out after the devastating organizing group activities within our 2005 hurricane Katrina that hit the Newman Club. She led Bible study Gulf Coast. It was during a mission and helped organize and implement trip that Carri visited the Dominican fundraisers, volunteer opportunities Nuns. Kathleen said she doesn’t know and social gatherings. She always made of anything she did as a parent to learning about our faith exciting and foster her daughter’s vocation. The had the most wonderful stories.” family would go to Mass together at different churches or the Cathedral Discerning her vocation which would spark wonderful discussions. According to the STA alumna, when the idea of a religious life As the idea of a religious vocation entered her mind, Carri was afraid Sister Mary Magdalene of Immaculate stirred Carri, Kathleen said, “I and tried to push those thoughts Conception

12 Feature Saint aside -- but they kept surfacing over the boat first, let go of the fear and blog their daily activities which and over. As she grew in faith, Carri trust Him.” allows Kathleen Prewitt to follow the became more open and aware of what The Dominican monastic nuns and her daughter. God’s plan for her might be. She said Nuns allow the “I am able to visit as often as I that only by God’s grace was she able world to glimpse can and try to go to the convent at to let go of that fear of living life as a their beautiful least once a year for about a week,” religious and truly listen to what He monastery and Kathleen said. “The Dominican Nuns was asking. joyful community are truly amazing, always joyful and I “God knows you better than you on their website leave feeling so enriched!” will ever know yourself,” she said. www.nunsopsummit.org. They also “And only when we trust in His plan can we be truly the happiest and holiest following our vocation in life. Sacred Study a main focus of I didn’t think I could ever be this happy, but I had to let go, step out of Dominican Nuns Our dynamic life of love is for the world a witness to the reconciliation of all things in Christ preached by our brethren. In this way, a Dominican monastery becomes a “holy preaching - a city set on a hill that cannot A Day in the Life be hidden.” Contemplatives have a double responsibility: to strengthen preachers by their contemplation, and to form them by their thirst for of Sister Mary the Word. The cloister is consequently the place par excellence where the Magdalene of mystery of holy preaching out to be lived. the Immaculate The observance of enclosure is one of the gifts of the Church to contemplative nuns. St. Dominic chose it for us in order that, free from Conception, OP worldly affairs, we may have a holy leisure to devote ourselves entirely to focusing on the mystery of God. Our constitutions say that, “this hidden 5:55—Lauds (morning prayer) life should open their minds to the breadth and height and depth of the followed by Lectio/Prayer/Study love of God who sent his Son so that the whole world might be saved through Him.” Enclosure is not an absolute; it is at the service of a life of 7:15—Holy Mass/ contemplation. We observe what is called Papal Enclosure-that is we observe Thanksgiving(10min)/Terce (mid- enclosure according to the norms of the Holy See for cloistered nuns. The morning prayer) most recent norms, a document called *Verbi Sponsa*, permit entrance 9:00—Work and exit from the physical enclosure for certain needs of the monastic 11:30—Rosary & Sext (mid-day prayer) community. 12:00—Dinner (main meal of the day) Our enclosure provides us with the sacred space in which we learn to 12:45—Optional Recreation become at home with seeking the Face of God and where we learn to 1:30—Profound Silence (Time for a love our sisters in true friendship and fidelity. In the silence of enclosure nap, prayer, reading, free time) we touch the heart of the world. Devoting our lives totally to God we 3:00—Office of Readings & None perpetuate the gift which our father St. Dominic had of bearing sinners, the (mid-afternoon prayer) down-trodden and the afflicted in the inmost sanctuary of his compassion. 3:30—Lectio/Prayer/Study It is a privileged place of love. 4:00—Work For Dominicans Sacred Study is a major part of our lives. Sacred Study 5:30—Vespers is born from attentive listening. For the nuns study is not about acquiring academic degrees but about nourishing our life of contemplation. We 6:00—Supper cannot love what we do not know. *Lectio Divina* is intimately connected 7:00—Study to study for Dominicans because it is ordained to a real dialogue with 7:45—Community Recreation God. Our whole life is harmoniously ordered to preserving the continual 8:40—Compline (night prayer) remembrance of God. Such a life, if faithfully lived leads us to that perfect Compline ends around 9 pm with love of God and neighbor which is effective in caring for and obtaining the the Salve Regina. Lauds and Vespers salvation of all people. are the two bookends, the big hours Sister Mary Magdalene of the Immaculate Conception, OP that hold the day together.

www.stasaints.net 13 Saint Thomas Aquinas Then and Now Then And Now Scouring photos from the past 25 A lone woman stands at the years, especially ones of the school’s south end of the Commons in an early years, demonstrates how far we early photo taken before the 1991 have come -- and in some regards, installation of the two-toned tile floor. how much we are the same! The In 2009, the deteriorating tile was school has grown from less than replaced with stained concrete that 500 students in 1988 to our largest features a huge Saints logo in the enrollment of 1,315 Saints in 2004-05. center. The campus now includes a theater, stadium, auxiliary gym, practice fields, finished lower level, preschool/ child care, and updated classrooms, Chapel and Commons. Our logo, school uniforms, mascot and athletic uniforms have been modified, but our faculty is still outstanding and our students still graduate well prepared for college. Saint Thomas Aquinas High School has been awarded the Governor’s Achievement Award six times since The cafeteria in 1988 (left) was the program was initiated in Kansas all set for student lunches - can in 2006, and was also named a 2012 you spot something no longer National Blue Ribbon School of offered in most school cafeterias Excellence by the U.S. Department of today? Checkout lines were Education. Every four years a whole expanded to four this year and new group of students populates the thumbprint identification was school and each class has its own added to help students get in and character. Many faces among the out faster. A separate salad bar faculty, staff and administration have added in the mid “90s” is always a also changed. Through it all, what popular item. Special theme-days has been the important constant? that feature a German, French, Our faith underlies all we do and Japanese and Spanish menu our mission that states our goals - a give students a “taste” of other Catholic faith community to challenge and cultures. nurture young men and women to develop their God-given spiritual, intellectual, social and physical potential, and to help them become life-long learners and responsible citizens guided by Catholic values.

14 Saint Thomas Aquinas Then and Now

The statue of Mary stands amid a few bushes and shrubs in the Courtyard. What a difference between 1990 and 2013! The beautiful rosary garden added in 2012 creates a lovely place for students to gather during lunch or prayerful meditation.

When the school opened the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception, which anchored the northwest corner of the building, offered a quiet place for prayer and Mass for smaller groups. Over the years, the addition of the large wood-carved cross above the altar, stations of the cross, stained glass windows, statues of Saint Thomas Aquinas, St. Joseph and the Blessed Mother along with new seats and kneelers enhance the beautiful space for worship and prayer. The Chapel underwent a major renovation in 2006 in conjunction with the “Faith and Reason” capital campaign.

These are some of the pictures that you will see in the “25 Years of In 1991, Drama and English teacher Gail Saints” Memory Book that will be Prieb helps a student in the school library out in the fall. Take a walk down that today has an altered look and feel. Bookshelves now line the perimeter of the memory lane and enjoy this keepsake room and computers allow students to do book of treasured memories of our online research. Technology has come a long way in 25 years! “Communion of Saints.”

www.stasaints.net 15 25 Years of Saints

Reserve your copy today! www.stasaints.net/25YearsBook Only $20, the “25 Years of Saints” Memory Book is a soft-bound, full-color collection of photos, stories and events commemorating the first 25 years of Saint Thomas Aquinas High School -- just in time for the 2013 holiday season.*

Do you have a picture or memory to share? Contact Mary Bridget Kratofil at [email protected]

*Anticipated delivery in mid-November 2013.

Are you getting the Saints Tidbits? Saint Thomas Aquinas sends out short emails to highlight students, alumni and teachers. If you are not getting the emails, Go to stasaints.net and click on Alumni Update or Alumni Parent Update.

16 Alumni story Change in major to geology translates to job with Danish job. In the photo company you can see that the large pieces Veronica Holton graduated from are what make up Saint Thomas Aquinas High School the wind turbines. in 2008 and headed to College of My task is to make Charleston in Charleston, South sure a component Carolina. Four years and a Bachelor of the company’s of Science in Geology later, Veronica software is working accepted a full-time job working properly. This is for the Danish company EIVA that what determines provides software, hardware and where and when the integrated solutions for “any seabed- legs hit the sea floor Above, Veronica Holton is pictured in front of the Pacific Orca, a to-surface task in the offshore survey, and monitors their sea-going vessel owned by Swire Blue Ocean. construction and services industry.” (the legs) penetration experiences of others. Explore the city in the sea floor as well as making sure According to Veronica, she entered in which you live, different regions of offsets were properly in the system to college not having a definite career the US, the world! Don’t be afraid to place the wind turbines in the exact choice, but says her job with EIVA is switch majors or career paths. a perfect fit for her skills and interest. and proper position. Discovering new fields of study She admits that she wasn’t sure where Was there a course in high school will either confirm that a person is a major in Geology would lead but she that helped you be successful? on the right path or perhaps lead loved studying “earth science.” One of the most important skills I to something new and exciting that learned in high school was how to could be a new career path or just communicate through writing. Mrs. Q & A with something enjoyable. I intended Waters’ English classes have helped on studying political science when Veronica Holton me immensely throughout my college I went to college, and then became How did you get your job studying and professional careers. and mapping the ocean for EIVA? fascinated with geology (which I was What is the key to your success? I was chosen for an internship taking solely to satisfy my science It’s nearly impossible to have only after the EIVA survey manager led requirement). I was hesitant to one key to success as there are many a training course at the College of make such a drastic change, but it factors that got me to where I am. I Charleston. A month and a half into was the best decision I ever made. take advantage of the opportunities my internship, they offered me a I recommend not turning down presented to me. I take risks and permanent position. I believe my field opportunities because they are unpaid welcome challenges. You learn a lot work, research experience and marine or on a volunteer basis. Experience about yourself this way, and most geology background set me apart from is worth more than making a little of the time you will be pleasantly other candidates. money. Most importantly, recommend surprised. Last, but certainly not least, to be yourself! If you don’t follow What are your duties? I have been I’m not afraid to be myself. This has your heart, the only person you will testing our software and helping with given me the confidence to go out in disappoint is yourself. support as an intern and will continue the world and follow my dreams. to do so as an employee. I will assist in Do you have any advice for a high the integration of the EIVA software (Veronica’s parents, George and Carolyn school student of how to find the and CARIS software to create a more Regan Holton, ‘73, visited their daughter right job? Keep an open mind to streamlined solution for the offshore in Denmark this summer.) people, cultures, ideas, ways of life industry. I will also be sent out on and everything. Talk to people about ships to ensure the software is set life. We have a lot to learn from the up properly before a client begins a

www.stasaints.net 17 RETIREMENTs Rebecca Heidlage, Ed.D. ends long career in education by Mike Estes, ‘13 was very devoted to two things in life: the Church and her daily game of Catholic faith influenced poker. A fond memory is seeing her early life grandmother pray the rosary during an intense poker game! Many other A Chickasha, Oklahoma native, good memories surround the frequent Principal of Academic Services family reunions that would take place Dr. Rebecca Heidlage has lived a life at her grandma’s house. of adventure and faith that is revealed in many of her successes. As the Education was always very community says good-bye to this good important to Heidlage’s parents friend, mentor and administrator, who both had college degrees and we asked her to reflect on her life’s emphasized the importance of journey to the present. higher education to their children. In middle school, because of the Heidlage grew up with two brothers, small size of her home town, most of Dick and Robert, and two hard- Rebecca’s classmates were her cousins working parents. Her father was a or in some way related to one other. banker whose success was built from Dr Heidlage at the 2013 graduation ceremony, Heidlage’s graduating class, of which and with Kyle Gress, ‘13. almost nothing. In the heat of the she was valedictorian, consisted of Great Depression, he began a life-long eight people. After high school, the Mount Academy, a Catholic boarding career in banking, preceded by any job young scholar attended the all-girls and day school in Atchison, for eight he could find, one being a $3-per-day Mount St. Scholastica College in years. Later on, she was a counselor at street worker in 1934. Dr. Heidlage Atchison, Kansas, and received a O’Hara High School in Kansas City, looks back at this and it humbles degree in mathematics. (Years later Missouri, for five years after which it her, helps her realize how lucky she St. Benedict’s College merged with became clear to her that the life of a is, and pushes her to work hard like Mount St. Scholastica and formed religious was no longer her calling. her father. Chickasha was a primarily what is now Benedictine College.) Because she was known as “Rebecca” Baptist town during Heidlage’s longer than “Martha,” she decided to childhood making the Catholic Discerning God’s Will keep her religious name after leaving community a close, tight-knit group. the convent. Most of her family lived in town. Upon graduation from college, In 1992, she was hired at Saint They, especially her grandmother, Heidlage felt a calling to join a Thomas Aquinas as an academic instilled the importance of faith and religious community and entered counselor, a position in which she passed it down through generations. the Benedictine Sisters of Mount guided students with course selection, Besides family, her Grandma Sullivan St. Scholastica and remained a Benedictine Sister for 25 years. When academic goals and staying on track she entered the Order, she would to succeed academically. Later she not see her family and friends for accepted the position of Assistant long periods of time unless there was Principal and later Academic a death in the family. According to Principal. Heidlage, this was one of the hardest Heidlage readily attests that aspects of her decision to enter the education has been the primary convent. focus of her life - preparing herself It was also an adjustment when she professionally for the educational needed to choose a name not claimed arena and then becoming an educator. by another Sister in the convent. She earned a Masters degree in Because her real name “Martha” was Counseling from the University of already taken, she became known as Kansas, a Masters in Administration “Sister Rebecca,” the name of her from the University of San Francisco, aunt and godmother. During her years and a Doctorate in Administration as a nun, she was principal of the from the University of Kansas. Her

18 RETIREMENTS countless hours and life-long dedication to the field of education Auf Wiedersehen, Frau Nickum, wir have impacted the academic werden dich vermissen! superiority of the Saint Thomas Aquinas community. STA President, (translation: We will miss you!) Dr. Bill Ford, said she brings a calm, A group of former German students and collected manner to any situation some family members of Judy Nickum joined no matter how difficult. This, added the Saint Thomas Aquinas faculty and staff at to her strong organizational skills the retirement luncheon on May 21 in honor of and work ethic, have helped the her and principal Dr. Rebecca Heidlage. Fellow school maintain quality education teachers Karen Sturges and Lisa Stoecklein took for all students. the podium to share personal statements about Judy’s positive impact on her students and the A runner at heart example she set as a teacher. In the 1980s with a busy work day Judy (Carr) Nickum is the middle of three children, and only daughter, schedule and the need to “unwind born to Beth and Merle Carr of Wichita. She chose German as her college and clear her mind,” Heidlage took major at UMKC because she had a knack for languages and also because her up running road races. Having paternal family was of Swedish descent and German was the closest language grown up before Title IX regulations in the school system. Judy also has a minor in European history. In college, pushed open doors for more girls she planned to study in Giessen, Germany, but when her future husband, Roy to participate in sports, she had Nickum, proposed, he said, “Instead of going to Giessen, marry me and I’ll no prior competitive running take you to Germany after you graduate.” The couple was married in December experience. Rebecca clearly made up 1970 and over the years has taken many trips to Europe, especially Germany, in for this as the years unfolded. their 43 years of marriage. They are the parents of a daughter, Alicia, and a son, Heidlage has run 253 road races Benjamin, and have two grandchildren. all around the country for over 20 Judy arrived at Saint Thomas Aquinas in fall 1990 and stayed 24 years because years. She enjoys setting personal as she says -- she loves the school, the students and the subject she taught. Most goals and attempting to meet them. of the teaching staff at Saint Thomas Aquinas pitches in to help with the many She has run four marathons - some clubs, organizations and activities surrounding the school, and Judy has been no to raise money for cancer research exception. She was the cheerleading sponsor for six years, served on the Rocks - in Washington D.C., Cape Cod, committee, National Honor Society sponsor and started a student exchange Massachusetts, Portland, Oregon, program with Glauchau, Germany, at Saint Thomas Aquinas in 1992. She was and San Diego, California. sponsor of the German Club and also started the subject-area honor societies Rebecca cites her favorite with the German National Honor Society, Delta Epsilon Phi. She served on running accomplishment as the the committee for foreign languages for the Archdiocese and later chaired this time she crossed the finish line in committee. And in 24 years, she and Roy missed only a couple of Extravaganza Washington D.C., after 26.2 miles auctions at which they usually worked the bank. of running and countless months According to former students, it is Judy’s excitement and multi-faceted of training. Heidlage has also approach to teaching German that make her such a memorable teacher. She engaged in many other adventurous immerses her students in the German culture as well as the language providing endeavors, including a 6.5 day float explanations for idioms, dialects and words while placing them in historical trip through the Grand Canyon and context. Since 1992, many students have accompanied her on trips over a 1,000 feet high hot air balloon Christmas break which allowed them to test their language skills. She always ride. One of her last races was a half- strived to make German an interesting and fun language to study. German Club marathon in Vancouver, B.C. field trips, lock-ins and movie nights are just some of the ways she supplemented Though her running career may her classroom lessons. have contributed to the need for So, what will retirement be like for Frau Nickum? Reading, gardening, biking, a total knee replacement in June sailing, traveling and playing piano are what Judy usually does in her spare time 2012, she insists it was worth it and she plans to continue these. But she also plans to visit her grandchildren because her running years were and spend more time with family and volunteering at the library and church. some of the best years of her life. She also plans to substitute at Saint Thomas Aquinas when her replacement, Judy’s former student and 2008 alumnus, Bryan Thelen needs one!

www.stasaints.net 19 Mission Trips Mission Trips Senior Trip To Rome Coincides With First Mass of Pope Francis I As New Church Leader Pictured above is the group of 31 seniors and ten adults who traveled to Rome, Italy, over Spring Break 2013. These seniors had the unique opportunity to attend the inaugural Mass of Pope Francis I. He even passed close by the STA group gathered in St. Peter’s Square and stopped to acknowledge a child handed to Kelsey Boschert, ‘13, by the infant’s parents for a blessing. Attending the Pope’s first Mass required waking up at 3 a.m., but everyone was overjoyed to do so! On the pilgrimage, the group also traveled to Florence and Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis. In Rome, they visited many of the significant landmarks including the Colloseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon, Saint Paul’s Outside the Walls, the Catacombs of Saint Sebastian, and the Sistine Chapel. The group attended additional Masses -- one celebrated by STA Chaplain Father Andrew and another Italian language Mass. The journey was definitely a spiritual, faith-building experience, one in which the students grew closer to God and the Church. Viva la Papa!

Sophomores Help Relief Juniors On A Mission In Efforts In New Orleans, LA. San Juan, Texas A group of 40 sophomores and five adults traveled to Forty-five Saint Thomas Aquinas High School juniors New Orleans over Spring Break 2013 to help families still and five adults went on a Mission trip to San Juan,Texas struggling in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. With over spring break 2013. They rehabilitated three homes crowbars and sledge hammers, the students tore down and painted a community center. The group stayed at the two mobile homes and a brick house that were ruined in Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle where a mini- the August 2005 storm. The group attended Mass where retreat was held each evening. they were asked to carry the gifts at the Offertory and the Knights of Columbus offered to help pay for their dinner.

20 Saints Marrying Saints Anderson - Shriver Sarah Anderson, ‘08, and Nathaniel Shriver, ‘08, were married on June 1, 2013, at Cure of Ars Catholic Church in Leawood, Kansas. Sarah earned a B.S. in Elementary Education with an Endorsement in Middle School Math in May 2013 from Emporia State University. Nathan earned a B.S. in Accounting in 2012 and a Master of Accounting in May 2013 from Kansas State University. The couple resides in Denver, Colorado, where Nathan The Shriver Family includes three generations and seven alumni. Above are Elsie DeNegri, works for KPMG Accounting Firm current Little Saint, Justin DeNegri, Courtney Shriver DeNegri, ‘04, Rose Shriver, ‘10, Sarah and Sarah will teach second grade at Anderson Shriver, ‘08, Nathan Shriver, ‘08, Jane Dillbeck Shriver, ‘79, David Shriver, ‘73, Blessed Sacrament Catholic School. Bobby Shriver, ‘06.

The Anderson-Shriver wedding party -- Ryan Drilling, ‘08, Danielle Sperry, Alexander Crownover, Rose Shriver, ‘10, Ross Conner, ‘08, Andrea Carroll, ‘08, Justin DeNegri, Courtney Shriver DeNegri, ‘04, Sarah Anderson Shriver, ‘08, Nathan Shriver, ‘08, Amy Anderson, ‘11, Bobby Shriver, ‘06, Jessica Teehan, ‘07, Matt Grothoff, ‘08, Miranda Meyer, Ryan Gleason. Where are you reading the Saints Spirit Magazine? Kelly Cotter Ingebritson, ‘96, standing in front of the United States Capitol, Spring 2013 Where are you reading the Saints Spirit Magazine? While you are packing for your next big trip, make sure to slip in the latest copy of the Saints Spirit Magazine! Hold your magazine and take a snap shot in front of the Eiffel Tower, Big Ben, the Golden Gate Bridge, a tropical island, the Great Wall of China, Cinderella’s Castle... wherever the wind blows you! Just go to stasaints. net and click on “Alumni Update/Class Note” to Alumni parents Karin Morgan, Pam send us the photograph Frederes, Bit Clark and Teresa Ahrens and a brief description of on the way to a live show of Dancing your adventure. with the Stars - a trip they purchased at Extravaganza 2012!

www.stasaints.net 21 All American Three Saints soccer players named “All-America”

The National Soccer Coaches Association of America recognized not one, not two, but three Saint Thomas Aquinas High School students as members of the organization’s All- America programs during the 2012- 2013 school year. Kyle Gress, ‘13, was recognized as the Saints’ fifth Boys Soccer All- American, joining ranks with Sean McCullough, ‘97, Michael Thomas, ‘07, Coleton Henning, ‘08, and Sean Latz, ‘10. A goalkeeper for the Kyle Gress sisters Sydney, class of 2017, and Kate, Saints, Kyle had a .88 Goals Against class of 2020, all attend(ed) Chisholm Average (GAA) this year. He had Trail junior-high school. the 2nd lowest GAA in STA history at .30 in 2010 when his defense Also following the spring girls allowed only seven goals all year, an soccer season, Hannah Pyle, ‘13, STA record. Kyle has been part of was named Academic All-American two state-title teams and the 2009 by the NSCAA. This recognition is National Championship team, and only awarded to high school seniors, will attend college and play soccer and requires an unweighted GPA at Marquette University. He and his above 3.75 as well as designation as parents, Michelle and Larry Gress, are first-team All-State in the same year. members of Church of the Ascension Hannah is the fourth leading all- parish where Kyle attended grade time scorer for the Saints, and is a school. Kyle has one older sister who four-time member of the Kansas 5A also graduated from STA, Amanda State Championship team. Hannah Jamie Kutey Gress, ‘11. and her parents, Mary and Ed Pyle, are members of Holy Just a sophomore this year, Jamie Trinity parish where Hannah Kutey, class of 2015, was named All- attended grade school. She is American by the NSCAA following the youngest of five children, all the spring 2013 girls soccer season -- who have graduated from Saint the fifth female Saint to win the award Thomas Aquinas: Elizabeth along with Caroline Sweeney, ‘05, Pyle Mortimer, ‘02, Michael Hannah Koesterer, ‘06, Erin Ellefson, Pyle, ‘05, Madeline Pyle, ‘08, ‘07, and Molly Khoury, ‘11. Jamie Jonathan Pyle, ‘11, and Hannah. already holds the 9th position on the school’s Career Goals scoreboard after her second season as a Saint, and 2nd place as Most Points Scored in one season. Jamie will travel to Orlando, Florida, in August 2013 to receive her award. The Kutey family belongs to SOCCER Prince of Peace parish. Jamie, her twin brother Luke, class of 2015, and their

22 Sister Schools A Special Day for Sister-Schools On Friday, April 12, 2013, Saint Thomas Aquinas High School welcomed the Wichita Kapaun Mt. Carmel Girls Soccer team, families and fans to the Saints Athletic Stadium for JV and varsity match-ups, dinner and socializing. The day before, the visiting school’s namesake, Father Emil Kapaun, posthumously received the Congressional Medal of Honor for The Saints Girls Soccer team welcomed the Crusaders from Wichita Kapaun Mt. Carmel just one day after Fr. Emil Kapaun posthumously received the nation’s most prestigious honor. his selfless acts of kindness during the Korean War. Prior to the soccer game, Saints soccer team member and Student Council president Natalie Kutney and faculty member Joe Orrick (who previously taught at KMC) offered a story and prayer, commemorating the very special occasion for the Kapaun Mt. Carmel community. The Diocese of Wichita and the Vatican are currently in the formal process that could lead to Father Kapaun’s canonization. St. Thomas Aquinas, pray for us. Natalie Kutney, ‘13, and STA faculty member Joe Orrick presented to flowers to Kevin Arkin, Chaplain Kapaun, pray for us. representative from Kapaun Mt. Carmel, prior to the Saints vs. Crusaders girls soccer game. Alumni Pop Quiz - $100 prize! Take our pop quiz (alumni only) by Saint Thomas Aquinas ALMA MATER going to the STA website We gather here together www.stasaints.net/alumpopquiz and As friends, we’re side-by-side, give us your answer! Correct entries To sing our Alma Mater will be entered into a drawing for With unity and pride. $100 CASH. To her we will be faithful and always will be true. Forever loyal to STA QUESTION: Who wrote Her banner gold and blue. Though years may separate us, the lyrics and composed Our memories live on. One of the goals for the the musical arrangement Her spirit ever present school’s 25th year was to sing of the Saint Thomas Our strength and shield our song. the Alma Mater more often so As we go down life’s pathway, Aquinas Alma Mater? that students, parents, alumni, Our faith will keep us strong. faculty and staff would learn it Amor Vincit Omnia, Love will conquer all. -- Mission accomplished! Update your email/mailing address! www.stasaints.net/alumniupdate or www.stasaints.net/parentupdate

www.stasaints.net 23 Sports review 2012-2013 FALL SPORTS Boys Soccer Boys Basketball League: 2nd League: 4-10 Cross Country Regional: 5th Season: 9-11 Season Record: 12-4-3 EKL first team: Tyler Clement EKL first team: Kyle Gress, Kyle Lickteig, Nick Coaches: Sean Reilly (head), Bill Kolich, Damen Hagenkord, Andrew Johnson and Robert Brooks, Brian White, Chip Ahern, Jude Gerstner Skevington (asst.) All NEKSCA: Kyle Gress, Kyle Lickteig, Nick League: Girls 1st, Boys 1st Hagenkord, Andrew Johnson Regional: Girls 1st; Boys 1st All Metro: Kyle Gress Bowling All State: Kyle Gress, Kyle Lickteig, Nick Hagenkord State: Girls 1st, Boys 2nd Boys season - 6 wins All Midwest Region Team: Kyle Gress Girls season - 2 wins STATE CHAMPIONS NSCAA All-American: Kyle Gress EKL first team: Rachel Mahon, Bailee Cofer, Maddie Coaches: Craig Ewing (head); Chuck Hammons, Regional: Boys - 5th Hopfinger, Jennifer Angles, Elizabeth Romme, Brian White, Craig Drummond, Erik Jones, Ron Regional: Girls - 10th Libby Reazin, Nick Boyles, Matthew Wilderson, Brown (asst.) Individual Boys Qualifier at state: Skylar Martin Daniel Aiken, Cole Friedman Coach: Terry Droge All State: Rachel Mahon, Bailee Cofer, Maddie Hopfinger, Jennifer Angles, Elizabeth Romme, Emily Downey, Nick Boyes, Matthew Wilderson, Girls Tennis Daniel Aiken, Jack Luther League: 5th Boys Swimming Coaches: Justin Wrigley (head), Boys Bauman, Chris Regional: 2nd League: 6th Ronan, Matt Hallauer, Jim Halling (asst.) State: 6th State: 15th Team records broken or shared: Lauren Huddlestun Team records broken or shared: Eric Carter - 200 State Champion; Sarah Petty and Ciara O’Reilly Individual Medley, School record 2:05.65 Football scored points with backside win. Coaches: Rick Jenkins (head), Ashley Dower (asst.) League: 1st All State team: Lauren Huddlestun Season: 10-2 Coaches: David Shriver (head), Petra Shinn (asst.) EKL first team: Dan Morin, OL and DL, Nick Wrestling Williams, DB League: 1st Coaches: Mike Thomas (head), Chris Johnson, Sean Volleyball Regional: 2nd Thompson, Tom Cretors, Dylan Slaven, Mike League: 1st (tie) McGraw, Dillen Jackle, Justin Gore, Tim Zarda State: 3rd (asst.) Season: 27-12 Team records broken or shared: Isaac Dulgarian - EKL first team: Carlyle Nusbaum, Brittany Thomas take downs - team and state record All State: Carlye Nusbaum, Brittany Thomas EKL first team: Gabe Gooch, Jake Elbruder, Luke Girls Golf Coaches: Kim Bogart (head), Sarah Cretors, Anne Henes, Tyler Dickman, Zack Hoskins, Johnny Wildeboor, Kerri Jennings (asst.) Perz, Isaac Dulgarian Coaches: Lorne Parks (head), Tom Williams, Andy Leiker, Mark Dulgarian, Phillip Henes, Randy WINTER SPORTS Ewing, Larry Parks, EJ Walter, Kirk Berggren (asst.) Girls Basketball

STATE CHAMPIONS League: 1st Regional: 1st Team record: State champions for 6th straight year EKL first team: Jordan Chael, Baile Winslow All Metro 1st team: Jordan Chael, Baile Winslow STATE CHAMPIONS All State: Jordan Chael, Baile Winslow, Ashley Root Season: 24-1 Coaches: Ryan Best (head); John Tompkins (asst.) League: 1st (14-0) Regional: 1st Go to State: 1st www.stasaints.net EKL first team: Tia Weledji, Haleigh Cindrich All State: Tia Weledji to view individual Coaches: Rick Hetzel (head), Bob Harbour, Jon sports records! Novacek, Justin Wrigley, Dylan Slaven (asst.)

24 Sports review 2012-2013 SPRING SPORTS Softball Track and Field League: 1st Boys Baseball Regional: 2nd League: 7th League record: 8-6 Season Record: 19-2 Regional/Sub State: 6th Season record: 14-8 Team records broken or shared: Brooklin Hinz State: 20th - season homeruns 7, 2013 team season record - Regional: 2nd Team records broken or shared: Tom Pyle - Boys defensive double plays turned at 14, Lexie Zuniga Coaches: Lorne Parks (head), Kevin Garvey, Brandon Long Jump - 22’02.00” - career defensive record for consecutive games Greeson, Michael Jacobs, Otis Miller, Brandon caught at 93, Lexie Zuniga career defensive record State results: 1600 M Run - Derek Engel 9th, Daniel Adams, John Hermsen, Bryce Kellerman (asst.) for innings caught at 599.7 Aiken 10th; 3200 M Run - Daniel Aiken 5th, Bryan Zack 7th; 4x100M Relay - Nick Williams, EKL first team: Brooklin Hinz, pitcher; Molly Zych, Joe Pyle, Ben Moss, Bobby Morrie 13th; Long utility jump - Tom Pyle 4th Boys Golf Coaches: Chris Orel (head), Craig Drummond, Kerri Coaches: Craig Moss (head), Justin Gore, Rick Jennings, Eric Jones (asst.) League: 5th Hetzel, Dillen Jackle, Sean Reilly, Joe Sudduth, Regional: 3rd TBA at printing: All metro and state Greg Wilson, Justin Wrigley (asst.) State: 5th All State: Austin Kruse Girls Swimming Girls Coaches: Ryan Best (head), Mark Smith (asst.) League: 4th League: 1st State: 2nd Regional: 2nd Girls Soccer Team record broken or shared: Sara Lopez - freestyle State: 9th 5.03.07 Team records broken or shared: Bailee Cofer - EKL first team: Sara Lopez 1600M Run - 5:08.90 All Metro: Sara Lopez, Holly Hanson State results: 800M Run - Emily Downey 8th, Bailee Cofer 9th, Rachel Mahon 10th; 1600M Run - All State: Sara Lopez, Holly Hanson Bailee Cofer 3rd, Rachel Mahon 7th, Christina Coaches: Rick Jenkins (head), Ashley Dower (asst.), Metzger 9th; 3200M Run - Bailee Cofer 4th, Emily Hoffman (diving) Maddie Hopfinger 5th, Jennifer Angles 13th; 4x100M Relay - Molly Herbic, Megan English, STATE CHAMPIONS Alexis Leikam, Taylor Holmes 9th; 4x400M Relay League: 1st Boys Tennis - Kate Drilling, Taylor Holmes, Makayla Bassi, Rachel Mahon 7th; 4x800M Relay - Elizabeth Regional/State: 1st League: 6th Romme, Becca Hare, Emily Downey, Maddie Team Records broken or shared: 13th state Regional: 2nd Hopfinger 2nd; High jump - Shannon Teahan championship, 4th straight. Jamie Kutey -24 goals 13th, Shot Put - Catherine Kluempers 12th; and 61 points in a season (2nd all time); Kelly State: 7th Javelin - Carlyle Nusbaum 6th, Maggie Jacobs 8th All State: Eric Robinson and Blake Jackson doubles Sweeney - 17 assists in a season (2nd all time); Coaches: Craig Moss (head), Justin Gore, Rick team placed 1st at regional and 3rd at state; Chris Ellen Loughman -.61 goals against (6th all time); Hetzel, Dillen Jackle, Sean Reilly, Joe Sudduth, Shinn and Scott Sheridan placed 5th at regional 13 shutouts (3rd all time); Hannah Pyle - 4th all Greg Wilson, Justin Wrigley (asst.) time career scoring; 15th EKL title, 17th Regional All State Academic team: Eric Robinson title Coach: David Shriver (head) Daniel Shinn, Petra EKL first team: Hannah Pyle, Jamie Kutey, Natalie Shinn (asst.) Owens, Mary Disidore, Kelly Sweeney, Ellen Loughman EKL Offensive Player of the Year - Renewing your magazine subscriptions is now easier than ever Jamie Kutey and also a great way to support the students at Saint Thomas EKL Goalie of the Year - Ellen Loughman Aquinas High School! Anytime you see a magazine you would All Region: Hannah Pyle, Jamie Kutey, Mary like to receive at your home or when your subscription is about Disidore, Kelly Sweeney, Ellen Loughman to lapse, simply go to www.gaschoolstore.com and use school Offensive Player of the Year - Hannah Pyle account # 2514677. All profits from the sale support student extra-curricular activities, which 5A Player of the Year - Jamie Kutey are an integral part of each student’s development while here at Saint Thomas Aquinas. When NSCAA All American: Jamie Kutey, Hannah Pyle you enter your NSCAA Academic All American: Hannah Pyle favorite STA Coaches: Craig Ewing (head), Chuck Hammons, student's name, Erin Ellefson, Brian White, Erik Jones, Ron they will receive Facebook & Twitter Brown, Jessica Teahan, Bryan Turner (asst.) magazine sale credits on the www.facebook.com/stasaints first day of the 2014 campaign. www.facebook.com/stasaintsalumni Order or renew your favorite www.twitter.com/stasaints magazines and help support the www.twitter.com/stasaintsalumni Saints!

www.stasaints.net 25 Class Notes 1982 John Mullen is owner of the Mullen Coach, LLC, which provides transportation services St. Joseph High School Class of 1958 to funeral directors and homes in Kansas City What Are The Odds Of This Happening? and throughout the Midwest. He and his wife Shannon reside in Shawnee, Kansas. Carol Coleman, John 1993 Sulzen and Bob Kara Ferguson Cooper is a senior scientist at Dehaemers all MRI Global, one of the nation’s leading research graduated with facilities based in Kansas City, Missouri. She the St. Joseph earned a Doctorate in Medical Microbiology and Immunology from Creighton University after High School first receiving a B.S. in Microbiology from Kansas Class of 1958. State University. She and her husband David live They attended in Overland Park, Kansas. school together Bob Crowder is Vice President of Liability Management with Swiss Re, a global re-insurer. from 1st He and his wife Jen, an attorney with Bryan Cave, grade through reside in Overland Park, Kansas. 12th grade, Joshua Glenn is a pilot with Delta Airlines. preparing and Bob, Carol and John celebrating St. Patty’s Day, Texas-style. Josh obtained a business degree from the receiving the University of Colorado in 1999. He and his wife Nicole were married September 1, 2012. The sacraments of First Communion and Confirmation together at St. Joseph couple resides in Olathe, Kansas. Church in Shawnee. Their families lived less than a mile apart, and their Chris Kelly is an attorney with Kansas City- parents ran in the same social groups. based real estate company Reece & Nichols. He During those twelve years, Carol, John, and Bob did not particularly and his wife Melinda were married September 25, 2009. “hang out,” yet Bob did take Carol to prom. After graduation, Carol and Brooke Chilen Kruger is the founder of Bob both attended separate nursing schools in the Kansas City area. John KC Partners, a San Francisco-based company joined the military and went to college, and he and Carol were married. that links communications professionals with employers seeking their services. She and her Carol and John Sulzen have lived in Arlington, Texas, for over 40 years. At husband Jeff live in San Francisco, California. their 50th high school class reunion in 2008, the Sulzens reconnected with classmate Bob Dehaemers, discovering that he too lives in Arlington, Texas, just a few miles from their home. Bob settled in Arlington after serving in the United States Air Force for many years. Now these three friends visit often over dinner or at social functions, inevitably discussing the “good old days of Shawnee.” They share many memories and mementos (including grade-school Valentines, tucked away all this time). This year the three Arlington Blue Streaks celebrated a milestone together: 50 years each for both Bob and Carol as Professional Registered Nurses. Most of all, the St. Joe ‘58 grads thank God for the blessing of rekindled friendship in their lives.

Kathleen “Katie” Swarts Natale is a chef instructor for Le Cordon Bleu College of 1995 Culinary Arts in Dallas, Texas. She and her Daniel Wientzen graduated from Creighton Kerri Brackhahn Martin, ‘93, with her three children, husband, Philip, were married in 2004; he is University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Colyn - high school junior, Madison age 10, and Ellie, general manager for the renowned Bob’s Steak & History. He earned his Doctorate of Osteopathic age 8. Chop House restaurant at the Omni Dallas Hotel Medicine from Des Moines University in 2006. Kerri Brackhahn Martin is a nurse at in downtown Dallas. Dan lives in Decorah, Iowa, with his wife Sara, Overland Park Regional Medical Center. She and son Landon - age 3, and daughter Meredith - age her husband Greg live in Raymore, Missouri, with 1994 1. Dan is a family physician with Gundersen their three children. Health System. He has a great interest in Shannon Hayes Dacus is Human Resource concussions and is working with local high Ryan Murphy has recently published a novel Manager for Kroger. She and her husband schools to develop comprehensive programs for for high-school aged readers, “When the Fireflies Jeffrey were married on 12/12/12, and live in concussion education, evaluation and treatment. Come Again,” now available from Amazon and Westminster, Colorado. Barnes & Noble.

26 Class Notes 1996 Francine Goode is a fund manager at State Street and lives in Kansas City, Missouri. Janine DiVita, ‘03 Lauryn O’Hagan Haake graduated As a Saint Thomas Aquinas from UMKC with a Bachelor of Business student, Janine participated in Administration in 2000, and earned her MBA in Management Information Systems from Drill Team, Choir and Show Rockhurst University in 2005. Lauryn and her Choir and graduated with Summa husband Patrick live in Kansas City, Missouri, Cum Laude academic honors. with their four children ages 13, 9, 6 and 5 She had starring roles in the months. Lauryn is Vice President of Legal Consulting at Duff & Phelps, and Patrick is Saint Thomas Aquinas musical Janine with Dr. Ford and 2003 classmates President/Owner of Graffiti Global Products, productions, appearing as Marian Kelli Hughes, far left, and Ashley Quick maker of Graffiti DryErase Paints and Wall Skins. the Librarian in The Music Man and Fields after the production of SPAMALOT at Kelly Cotter Ingebritson works in government Laurey in Oklahoma. Starlight Theater in June 2013. relations with The Conservation Fund -- Western Lands, promoting parks, recreation and the great Janine DiVita began studying music, dance and voice here in Overland outdoors to members of Congress, their offices Park at an early age. In addition to high school productions, she participated and others in Washington, D.C. Kelly received her Juris Doctor degree from the University of in community theater while dreaming of becoming a performing arts Denver Sturm College of Law in 2008. She and professional. After graduating from Saint her husband Tom were married on September 3, Thomas Aquinas, Janine attended the 2011, and reside in Arlington Virginia. University of Michigan where she won two prestigious musical theater awards, the only 1997 Michigan graduate ever to win both awards. Rebecca McJilton Bieker is a managing member and owner of the company ‘She’s Within one year of graduating from college a Pistol, LLC,’ Rebecca earned a degree in and moving to New York City, Janine landed Management and Human Relations in 2007 from two roles in off-Broadway productions, and Mid-America Nazarene University where she also received a Masters in Business Administration. then made her Broadway debut as Rizzo in She and her husband Jon live in Gardner, Kansas. the latest revival of Grease, starring opposite Ben Lewis graduated with honors in 2011 American-Idol-heartthrob Ace Young. from the University of San Francisco School of Law in the area of International and Comparative Following Grease, Janine traveled the country Law. He accepted a post-graduate fellowship in performing a wide range of leading roles at refugee and asylum law based in Dar es Salaam, reputable regional theatres and in the National Tour of Mel Brooks’ Young Tanzania where he provided legal aid to east and Frankenstein. central African refugees. He is employed with Asylum Access Tanzania as a legal advocate and Last spring, Janine returned to the Broadway stage as Reno in the hit lives in Overland Park, Kansas. musical Anything Goes and the Tim Puetz is a Presidential Management revival of The Mystery of Edwin Fellow at the National Institute of Health. He obtained an undergraduate degree in 2012 Drood, in which she covered from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. In three roles. In June 2013, Saints 2006, he received a Master of Public Health alumni, parents and friends were (MPH) degree and later his Doctorate from the treated to Janine’s hometown University of Georgia. Tim resides in Silver Spring, Maryland. performance as the leading “Lady of the Lake” in Monty 1998 Python’s SPAMALOT at Kansas Noelle Harvey Caldwell is employed with City Starlight Theater. In her Harvey & Caldwell, PA as a CPA. She and her spare time, Janine is a certified husband Daniel were married July 19, 2003 and kickboxing instructor. reside in Overland Park, Kansas. After obtaining her B.A. in Business in 2002, Noelle received a Master’s of Science in Accounting from UMKC in 2007. 2000 2001 Chris Legler is a Program Manager of Global Burton Harding and his wife Casie moved Emily Middendorf and Justin Smith were Support Services at Perceptive Software. He and this winter to Mound City, Kansas, where Burton married on June 9, 2012. She is employed at his wife Lindsay were married May 9, 2009, and opened a general law practice on Main Street. Bank of the West as an ACSM and Justin is an live in Olathe, Kansas. Chris received a degree He obtained his MBA and law degree from the estimator at Burns & McDonnell. in Human Resource Management, International University of Kansas and was recognized by the Business and Marketing from Kansas State Kansas Bar Association for his community pro University. bono work.

www.stasaints.net 27 Class Notes

2002 Lynn Mayer is currently the youth minister Jovana Mirabile, ‘07 at Holy Spirit Parish in Overland Park, Kansas. Lynn earned her degree in Catechetics with a Jovana Mirabile moved to New York minor in Theology from Franciscan University, City after high school graduation Steubenville, Ohio, in 2006. During summers of her college years Lynn was a camp counselor to attend Parsons School of Design. at Camp Tekakwitha. After college she joined She says that Saint Thomas Aquinas National Evangelical Team ministries (NET) in equipped her with the confidence and West St. Paul, Minnesota. In 2009 Lynn accepted technical sewing skills that allowed her the position of youth minister at Immaculate Jovana with her parents, Jim & Vicki Conception Dardenne Prairie parish in St. Louis. to push her own creative boundaries Mirable. She has been on the staff at Holy Spirit since and be at the top of her class. While winter 2011. at Parsons, Jovana won both a print design competition and a shoe design competition that received distinction by being created in Italy for her senior- 2003 year collection. Upon graduation from Parsons School of Design in 2011, Lindsey Kaminski Ballew is in her sixth year Jovana was named Student of the Year. as a 3rd Grade teacher at Holy Trinity Catholic School in Lenexa. Her husband, Aaron, is a At Parsons, Jovana founded the Fashion School Mentor Program - which Physics teacher with the Blue Valley School is still operational today - as a way to build community among students District. Both Lindsey and Aaron graduated with bachelors and masters degrees from Pittsburg within the very competitive school. Jovana’s career path expanded further State University. The couple lives in Shawnee, when upon graduation she accepted a three-month internship in London Kansas, with their 16-month-old son. with one of her favorite designers -- Matthew Williamson. Turning into full-time employment, Jovana has now been working for the famous designer 2006 in London for two years, involved with all aspects of the design process Jen Kinkade Bussen and her husband Patrick including print, embroidery and accessory design and illustration. were married July 23, 2011. Jen received a B.S. in Animal Science in 2009 and a Doctor of Jovana recalls her days at Saint Thomas Aquinas with Veterinary Medicine degree in 2013 from Kansas fondness. “My high school years were some of the best years State University. of my life so far, and they have truly shaped who I am today. Abby Geist is a Speech-Language Pathologist in From the supportive community to the amazing teachers to the Olathe (Kansas) School District. the discipline, STA prepared me for a successful college and Kerry Goebel graduated from the University after-college career. I was so blessed to have Mrs. Kephart as a of Notre Dame with a degree in Management Consulting, and recently moved back to Kansas mentor for three years. Her patience and love of her students City after working for Accenture in Chicago, is so admirable; she will always be a role model to me.” Illinois. He and his brother Kevin Goebel have joined their father, Dave Goebel, in a new restaurant venture with Dallas-based Pie Five Pizza Co. They will be opening their first franchise Tyson Merry was accepted into the location at 133rd & Metcalf in Overland Park, Manchester University School of Pharmacy’s 2009 Kansas, in early August. doctoral program and will begin her studies in Kelsey Butler was named Female Scholar- Athlete of the Year at Lynn University in Boca Michael Reazin married Erin Barr on March August 2013. Raton, Florida at the annual Student-Athlete 15, 2013. He earned a degree in Business from Recognition Awards show on April 23, 2013. the University of Kansas in 2010. The couple 2008 In addition to excelling in the classroom as a resides in Dallas, Texas. Rachel Austinfeld graduated from the criminal justice major, she completes her four- University of Kansas in 2012 with a degree in year playing career in (what sport?) with a school In memory of 2006 graduate Peter Community Health, Business and Leadership record for most career saves. Following her Clevinger, who passed away last January 20, Studies. She now lives in San Diego, California, December 2012 graduation, she is continuing at 2013, his family and friends are planning the where she is studying to be a Doctor of Lynn to complete her MBA in May 2014. first annual “For Pete’s Sake” Memorial Golf Naturopathic Medicine at Bastyr University. Her Tournament and Dinner -- Saturday, August anticipated graduation date is 2017. 24, 2013, 11 a.m. at Hillcrest Country Club, 2010 Kansas City, Missouri. Go to Facebook: “For Kelsey Coplen graduated from the University Jack Charles is aspring to be an author and has Pete’s Sake Golf Tournament” for registration, of Kansas in 2012 and was admitted to the several books in progress. beneficiary and volunteer information. Nursing program at St. Mary’s University in Leavenworth, to begin in August 2013. Jack Lodoly is pursuing a degree in Finance at the University of Kansas, and is a member of the Kaley Kane earned her bachelor of science 2007 Executive Board for Sigma Nu fraternity. degree in Journalism with emphasis in strategic Ellesha LeCluyse lives in Cleveland, Ohio, communication from the University of Kansas in Nick Malley is studying Film and Media Studies and will graduate with a law degree from Case 2012. She is currently an account administrator at the University of Kansas and has interned at Western Reserve University in 2015. She received with the award-winning digital marketing Wright/Laird Casting and Outpost Worldwide, her undergraduate degree in Life Science from communications agency Intouch Solutions, and both in Kansas City, Missouri. Nick is president of Kansas State University in 2012. lives in Prairie Village, Kansas. Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity at KU.

28 Rosemary Maher Saints Walk for Life

Matt McAndrews, Saints Walk For Life ‘08 Named in Honor of After high school, Matt Pro-Life Advocate worked as an Apprentice in the Rosemary Maher undergraduate theater department The Saints Walk for Life, newly named “The at Stephens College in Columbia, Rosemary Maher Saints Walk for Life,” was held Missouri, working for his tuition on Saturday, April 27, 2013, in spite of a cold Prior to the Walk, Rosemary in the scene shop and attending drizzle that could not dampen the enthusiasm Maher thanked the group of to all technical aspects of theatre of over 200 walkers. Through the generosity participants, donors and volunteers production. He transferred to of sponsors, walkers, supporters and the Teens for their tireless support of Life! UMKC to complete his degree for Life Club which hosts the event, just over and work locally as an actor and $19,000 was raised for Advice and Aid Pregnancy ROSEMARY MAHER technician at American Heartland Center, Birthright, Grace Center, Kansans for SAINTS Theater, Kansas City Actors Guild, Life and Wyandotte Pregnancy Clinic. Before the Unicorn Theater, The Living walk began, the group was joined by Archbishop Room, and Kansas City Repertory Joseph Naumann to show his support for the Theater. school’s pro-life fundraiser. Utilizing skills from his community-theater participation, high school performances and hands-on college experience, Matt is currently pioneering a scenic arts company in Kansas City that specializes in eco- friendly stage production. “Green Scenes” is devoted to cutting the exorbitant cost of technical Above: Father Andrew Strobl (far right), STA Chaplain, and all the family members of retired theatre production by recycling faculty member Rosemary Maher gathered in the gym prior to the Walk to celebrate the re-naming raw materials from large scale of the Saints Walk for Life in honor of Rosemary who established the Teens for Life student club productions and repurposing at Saint Thomas Aquinas High School and initiated the Saints Walk for Life in 1993. them. In addition to developing his growing business, Matt returned to Stagecraft classes at his alma Heading to the Advice and Aid Pregnancy Center during the mater, teaching students the basics Rosemary Maher Saints Walk for Life 2013. of stage carpentry and lighting. Recent theater performances include A Christmas Carol and Carousel at the Kansas City Repertory Theatre. This summer Matt appeared in the Heart of Leaving STA as the walk America Shakespeare Festival’s began, Rosemary Maher production of As You Like It with was all smiles with her son fellow Saints alumnus and 2008 Terry Maher (Teens for Life classmate Phillip Shinn. Above: Rosemary Maher’s grandson Matthew Martin (middle) president) with his son August joined friends from the class of 2013, Joey Radetic and Andrew (in stroller). Also pictured are Whealon, leaving STA at the beginning of the walk. grandchildren Katie Martin, ‘11, and John Siebes.

www.stasaints.net 29 In Memoriam

Barbara Allison, age 77 of Overland Park, Peter Downey, age 13 of Louisburg, R. Nick Pflumm, age 54, of Shawnee, passed away on March 13, 2013. She is the Kansas, passed away on March 4, 2013. He Kansas, died on May 12, 2013. He is the mother of Stephanny Sauceda, the nurse is the son of Christine and David Downey, husband of Donna Pflumm, ‘71, father at Saint Thomas Aquinas High School. ‘79, and brother of Brock, Nicholas, Travis, of Ashley Pflumm and Matthew Pflumm, She is survived by her husband, Bob, of 52 Andrew, Benjamin, Bridget, Rebecca and and step-father of Steven (Sarah) Ohmes, years, three daughters, six grandchildren Gemma. ‘94, and Jeffrey (Jill Glass) Ohmes, ‘97; son including Andrea Schwarzenberger (Brett Mark Humble, age 59 of Olathe, Kansas, of Ronald (Dee) Pflumm, ‘55, and Ardyn Whitacre), ‘95, Nicole (Jason) Weathers, passed away on May 1, 2013. He is the (Rick) Erickson; brother of Garot (Marisol) ‘97, and Kelli (Derek) Cox, ‘98, and six husband of Rhonda Humble, and father of Pflumm, ‘83, and Lauri Guidry; brother- great-grandchildren. Brandon (Katie Leckner) Humble. Mark is in-law of Kathy (Mike) Evans, ‘73, Phillip, Joey Bauman, age 90 of Bern, Kansas, survived by his mother Margaret Humble, ‘77, and Terri Thelen, ‘78, Bernadette passed away on April 19, 2013. He is and brothers Chris Humble, ‘71, Grant (Dave) Farra, ‘83, and son-in-law of Mary the father of faculty member Boyd (Lisa) Humble, ‘75, Matt Humble, ‘78, Paul and Donald (dec.) Thelen, Sr. Nick is also Bauman. He is survived by his wife, Milly, Humble, ‘79, John Humble, ‘86, and sister survived by one granddaughter and four of 65 years, five children, two siblings, 15 Renee Humble, ‘73. step-grandchildren. Many of Nick’s cousins, nieces and nephews are also graduates of grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. Margaret Hund , age 87 of Paxico, Kansas, St. Joe, Aquinas and Saint Thomas Aquinas Henry “Hank” Bourquin , age 85 of passed away on May 7, 2013. She is the High School. Shawnee, Kansas, passed away on May mother of faculty member Cathryn (Chris) 9, 2013. He is the father of alumni/ Hund Radiel, and Father Francis Hund Elysa Louise Rojas, age 2, of Denver STA parents Jim (Mimi) Bourquin, Basil of Nativity Parish. She is survived by eight Colorado, passed away on January 28, 2013. Bourquin, Mary Kay (Fausto) Mora, ‘77, children, 25 grandchildren and one great- She is the daughter of Jaime and Jana Evers Julie (Samuel) Zollicker, ‘76, Joe (Lisa granddaughter, and was preceded in death Rojas, ‘97, and older sister of Isla Rojas, Regan, ‘78) Bourquin, ‘77. He is survived by by her husband Wilfred Hund (1982). all of Denver, Colorado; granddaughter of Cathy and David Evers of Leawood, Kansas; his wife, Jane, of 62 years, his brother Butch David H. LaGue, age 88, of Kansas (Sandra Rieke, ‘58) Bourquin, ‘53, and and niece of Beth Evers, ‘99, and Matthew City, Missouri, passed away on January 30, Evers, ‘03. ten grandchildren including STA alumni 2013. He is the father-in-law of STA faculty Hillary Bourquin, ‘08, Hank Bourquin, member Mike (Nina LaGue) Thomas. David John Schmiedeler, ‘42, age 82 of ‘11, Caroline Bourquin, class of 2014, Ana is survived by his wife, Marie, of 68 years, Westwood, Kansas, passed away on Mora, ‘99, John Mora, ‘99, Beau Bourquin, nine of their ten children, four brothers, and December 13, 2012. He is survived by ‘09, and Zach Bourquin, ‘09. 71 grandchildren including Andrew (Sarah) his wife of 60 years, Rosemary Kinsella William Campbell, of Shawnee, Kansas, Thomas, ‘96, Julia (David) Blackford, ‘00, Schmiedeler, and six daughters and their passed away on March 21, 2013. He is and Rachelle (Mike) Martin, ‘98. families. the father of STA junior student Casey Patrick Leek, age 21 of Olathe, Kansas, Betty L. Shriver, age 88, passed away on Campbell and husband of Julie Campbell. passed away on March 5, 2013. He is the son February 27, 2013. She is the mother of Peter Clevinger, ‘06, age 25, Airman First of Sandra and Dr. James Leek, and brother alumnus and faculty member Dave (Jane Class of San Antonio, Texas, passed away of Ernest Leek, ‘92, Esther Leek Veitch, ‘93, Dillbeck, ‘79) Shriver, ‘73. Betty is survived on January 20, 2013. He is the son of Kathy Ann Leek Sherwin, ‘95, Mary Leek Stolz, by six children and one daughter-in-law, 13 and Ralph Clevinger of Shawnee, Kansas, ‘96, Andrew Leek, ‘98, Tom Leek, 99, Jane grandchildren including Courtney (Justin) brother of Aaron (Olivia) Clevinger, Kaylan Leek, ‘01, Rachel Leek, ‘07 (dec), Alex Leek Shriver DeNegri, ‘04, Bobby Shriver, ‘06, Clevinger, Monica (David, ‘02) Clevinger and STA senior Angela Leek, class of 2014. Nathan Shriver, ‘08, and Rose Shriver, ‘10, and six great-grandchildren. She was Kissick, and uncle of Lucia Kissick. Peter James F. O’Malley, M.D. , age 91, of preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth was a member of the state-champion Leawood, Kansas, died on December 20, Saints Boys Soccer team for three years O. Shriver (1989) and her son Kenneth P. 2012. He is the father of staff member Mary Shriver. and played soccer at Benedictine College Bridget Kratofil, grandfather of Kate Kratofil where he graduated in 2011 with a degree Koehnecke, ‘93, John Kratofil, ‘97, and Ann in Journalism and Mass Communication. Kratofil Warren, ‘99. James was predeceased Before enlisting to serve his country through by his wife, Mary Kathryn, to whom he was the Armed Forces, Peter owned a visual married 63 years. He is survived by five sons Memorial information is published communications business in the Kansas City and two daughters, 19 grandchildren and 22 for deceased alumni, deceased parents/ area. great-grandchildren. children/siblings of alumni, deceased Wilfred Droge, age 76, of Kansas City, faculty/staff, and deceased parents/ Kansas, passed away on January 31, 2013. siblings/children of faculty/staff. Please He is the father of STA faculty member notify the Saint Thomas Aquinas Terry (Rebecca) Droge. He is survived by his Please contact Cindy Winkler in the Advancement Office by contacting wife Sharon, five children, a daughter-in-law, STA Advancement Office at Cindy Winkler at (913) 319-2425 / two siblings, 14 grandchildren and eight 913-319-2425 or [email protected] [email protected]. great-grandchildren. if you would like to recognize a deceased loved one or submit a records-update.

30 Reunions

Saturday, July 13 Saturday, September 21 Class Reunions 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m. FAMILY PICNIC Reunion Main Event Class of 1958 55-Year Stoll Park at Club 1000 Reunion 12500 West 119th Street 1000 Broadway Saturday, July 6, 2013 Overland Park, Kansas Kansas City, Missouri Bring your own food, chairs, footballs, $50 per person/$100 per couple 5:00 p.m. etc... and meet all the kids! Includes heavy hors d’oeuvres and Johnny’s Tavern premium bar. 13410 West 62nd Terrace 7:00 p.m. RSVP AT http://club1000kc.com/ Shawnee, Kansas “Main Event” 20-Year REUNION klubkilo.html Bacchanalia Questions? Contact: 12450 Newton Street 12:00 a.m. - ? Darlene Hofer Barry Overland Park, Kansas After hours at The Quaff, 1010 Broadway, (913) 631-7218 or [email protected] $45 single/ $80 per couple Kansas City, MO Includes heavy appetizers, two drink- OLD MEDAL tickets per person, DJ and Door Prizes Questions? Contact: G LUB C Taner Neighbors, Questions? Contact: [email protected] Jen Hyland Fescoe, (913) 406-3742 or Ashley Quick, [email protected] [email protected] or (913) 634-0140 Kate Kratofil Koehnecke, (913) 645-6121 Melissa Windon, [email protected] or [email protected] Class of 1963 50-Year Emily Redmond Banyas, (913)669-5016 Facebook: “Saint Thomas Aquinas Class Reunion Katie Kopp Ohlde, (913) 707-3950 of 2003” and Gold Medal Club Pinning Saturday, September 21, 2013 Facebook: “St. Thomas Aquinas Class of Class of 2008 Five-Year 1993” Reunion 6:00 p.m. August 9-10, 2013 Lake Quivira Country Club Class of 2003 100 Crescent Boulevard 10-Year Reunion Friday, August 9 Lake Quivira, Kansas Friday, September 20 6:30 p.m. 4:30 - 7:00 p.m. The Levee $60 per person; Cash bar. Class of 2003 Ten-Year SAINTS Family 16 West 43rd Street Please send reservation and payment to Reunion Kansas City, Missouri Kathy Hoelting, 16010 West 56th Street, (Parents, siblings, spouses and children (816) 561-5565 Shawnee, KS 66217. are welcome!) Drink specials; Pay-for-what-you-order; no Auxiliary Gym at Saint Thomas Aquinas RSVP needed. Questions? Contact: High School Kathy Hoelting, (816) 591-6915 or For dinner reservations -- Johnny’s BBQ Saturday, August 10 [email protected] dinner served at Homecoming Tailgate in 8:00 a.m. Gary Hartigan, (913) 888-8930 or the Commons -- go to www.stasaints.net/ Saints Stampede 5K Cross-country Run/ [email protected] HomecomingTailgate. Reunion guests Walk, Stroller Strut, Pancake Breakfast & may bring food into the Auxiliary Gym. Family Fun Day! Class of 1993 20-Year Register online for 5K and pancakes: Reunion 7:00 p.m. www.stasaints.net/SaintsStampede5K. July 12-13, 2013 Saints Football vs. Salina Central Games, Inflatibles and Kids’ Fun Run are at the renovated Athletic Stadium at STA FREE for children 10-and-younger (no Friday, July 12 Class of 2003 grads: bring your mailed rsvp needed). 6:00 p.m. invitation for free admission to the HAPPY HOUR football game! Questions? Contact: Dub V’s Bar & Deli (Willie Vader’s Bar) Alli Flaspohler, (913) 548-1290 or 122 N. Cherry 8:00 p.m. (or after the game) [email protected] Olathe, Kansas Kevin Ahrens, (913) 206-0791 or Pay for what you order. Tanner’s Bar & Grill [email protected] 10146 W. 119th Street Overland Park, Kansas Facebook: “Saint Thomas Aquinas Class of 2008”

www.stasaints.net 31 Non-Profit Organization Saint Thomas Aquinas High School U.S. POSTAGE PAID 11411 Pflumm Road SHAWNEE MISSION, KANSAS Overland Park, Kansas 66215-4816 PERMIT NO. 22

Bring the Family! SATURDAY, AUGUST 10, 2013 8:00 - 11:00 a.m. at the HOME of the SAINTS Saint Thomas Aquinas High School 11411 Pflumm Road, Overland Park, Kansas All Participants receive a T-shirt and Pancake Breakfast!

• 5K Cross Country Run/Walk, a two-loop course on the grounds of Johnson County Community College, starting and finishing on the turf at the Saints Athletic Stadium. • 5K Middle School Roundup with special pricing for 5th-8th graders. • Stroller Strut for young families. • Pancake Breakfast following the race. Breakfast-only tickets available, $3 per person. • FREE Family Fun-Day activities including Kids’ Fun Run, inflatables, photo-booth, and carnival with prizes for kids/grandkids ages 2-10. For more information and the register, go to www.stasaints.net/SaintsStampede5K